The Zimbabwe Football Association Nomalisation Committee has responded to Farai Jere after he questioned them of dismissing his candidature ahead of the January 25 elections

Jere, together with other big names like Twine Phiri, Walter Magaya, Temba Mliswa and Benjani Mwaruwari, failed to pass the eligibility test and were excluded from the final list of candidates running for ZIFA presidency.

The CAPS United owner contested the exclusion and claimed that he was wrongly dismissed from the race sinced he has the required five O Level passes.

According to a leaked letter sent to Jere, the ZIFA NC chairman Lincoln Mutasa suggested that the submitted certificates had a name different, and the correction was submitted late.

Mutasa said in the letter: “I regret to inform you that, following the integrity checks required for candidacy in the upcoming Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Executive Committee elections, it has been determined that you have not met the necessary criteria to proceed as a candidate.

“Specifically, this pertains to the late submission of your name change on the O and A Level certificates.

“We understand that this news may be disappointing. The integrity checks are a crucial part of our commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct within our organization. This process is essential for fostering trust and transparency in our operations and ensuring that all candidates meet the rigorous standards expected by the football community.

“We encourage you to remain engaged with ZIFA and continue to contribute to the development of football in Zimbabwe. Should you have any questions regarding the integrity check process or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

“Should you wish to appeal please kindly note the process is outlined in Article 85(9) of the ZIFA Statutes.

“Thank you for your understanding and continued support.”